SBMA okays P2-B coastal development project

TARLAC CITY — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently approved a P2-billion development project for the freeport’s coastal area, the government agency overseeing investment and economic activities in Central Luzon said.

According to the Presidential Commission for the Central Luzon Growth Corridor, Palafox Associates, a leading architectural urban planning and consultancy firm, has designed a 20-hectare coastal recreation area at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The project will change the landscape at the coastal area in the freeport’s central business district, the commission said.

The commission said the SBMA acknowledges the heavy influx of tourists longing for new attractions aside from the existing sports, historical, cultural and ecotourism facilities that have become crowd-drawers in the freeport.

Quoting SBMA chairman Felicito Payumo, the commission said the project "will definitely help boost the freeport’s tourism business in the region."

"Tourism is the strength of Subic with its unique natural attractions. It is not just an industrial anchor, but a total community for everyone to enjoy," the agency said.

Part of the project, it said, is the Moon Bay Marina, which will have a water theme park, an entertainment facility equipped with multi-level swimming pools, water slides and exciting boat rides.

The project, to be built along the Subic Bay’s walk area, will also have "a first-class but affordable residential and commercial complex connected to a chain of fastfood outlets and fine dining restaurants."

The first phase of the development project, which would cost P40 million, includes the construction of the bay walk area, a water park, an apartelle-type hotel and landscaping, the commission said. — Benjie Villa